There is still time to sign up for the third annual Raymond C. Davis, Sr Memorial Golf Outing — slated for Oct. 2 at Devils Ridge Golf Course and Metamora Golf & County Club.
The outing is the funding raising tool used by Mr. Davis? family to fund a Michigan Recreation & Parks Association endowment. By this time next year, the Davis family hopes to have raised $100,000 in the name of their father.
Once that milestone is reached parks and recreation departments across Michigan will have a chance to better themselves.
‘The (WK) Kellogg Foundation has generoulsy agreed to match the first $100,000 raised,? said Ron Davis — one of three children of Mr. Davis and his wife Kathy.
To date, $45,000 has been raised. The Raymond C. Davis Sr. Access to Recreation Endowment Fund will provide matching grants to communities trying to open their parks to folks with handicaps.
Those involved in Clarkston athletics during the 1970s, 80s and into the 90s most likely knew Ray Davis. And, if they didn’t know him, they were touched by him. It is those folks his son is reaching out to, now.
‘He was completely dedicated to Clarkston athletics,? Ron Davis said, ‘He’d rather go to a high school game than pro or college ? it was his passion.?
Mr. Davis was instrumental with the start of Clarkston Chiefs little league football, heavily involved with Independence Township Parks & Recreation youth baseball, basketball, adult athletics and was a Clarkston Sports Booster for about 15 years.
And, those who knew Mr. Davis (who passed away in April of 2007 at the age of 69), knew, too, he dealt with the debilitating onslaught of chronic arthritis. The painful disease made it difficult for him to attend sporting events or enjoy the out-of-doors.
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The golf outing has turned into a ‘reunion? of sorts for people invovled in Clarkston athletics.
‘It has been really nice to see some of these people,? Ron Davis said. ‘Athletes, coaches … it has been good to see them all.
Cost to golf is $125 per person which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, continential breakfast, lunch, buffet dinner, beverages and Calloway golf shoes (each team’s captain should coordinate size information).
Call Ron Davis at the Oxford Township Parks & Recreation Department, 248-628-1720 to sign up or for more information.